To handle the rigors of the game, basketball shoes must offer durability, support, stability, flexibility and shock absorption. The constant starting, abrupt stopping, high jumps and quick side-to-side movements involved with basketball make these features absolutely essential when choosing your playing shoes. It's also important to factor in your personal playing style, which can make a difference in the type of shoe you'll need.

Understanding the construction of basketball shoes and determining which features are most important to you will
help you select the right shoe.

Upper

The upper is the soft top of the shoe. Its job is to keep the foot snug and securely in place during play.

Shoe cut

Determining if you're most comfortable in high-, mid- or low-tops is the first step in finding the right shoe
for you

High-tops

Keep in mind that the vast majority of players, around 70% choose high-tops for their ability to provide
maximum ankle support

Power players and all-around players usually prefer the stability of this style

Mid-tops

For players who feel restricted in high-tops, and who use speed as their greatest asset, mid-tops, which come
to right at the ankle level, may be the answer

Low-tops

Only about 10% of players wear low-tops for regular play

These are lighter, but don't offer the built-in ankle support that high-tops do

Materials

The days of the all leather upper are gone

Replacing them are lightweight combination uppers, which mix the stability and durability of leather with the
breathability and flexibility of synthetic mesh

High-tech, all-synthetic uppers, which are often more durable than leather, are gaining popularity for their
ability to offer stability in a super-lightweight material

Closure systems

A good closure system will keep the foot snug and secure in the shoe during sudden stops and starts, frequent
side-to-side motions, and quick turns

Laces

Laces are an acceptable choice for keeping the foot stable in the shoe

Several manufacturers are offering new lacing systems designed to offer greater stability

Good lacing systems should lock the laces in place, making them less apt to loosen or untie, increasing your
stability during play

Straps

Some shoes feature a strap that wraps around the upper arch of the shoe to add more stability and protection
against ankle rollover

Zippers

Zippers are a fairly new choice for securing the foot in a basketball shoe. These are usually covered by some
sort of protective material.

Velcro®

Good for younger children who can't tie their shoes yet

Not real reliable in terms of staying closed, and doesn't offer good support

Midsole

This is the layer of soft, shock-absorbing material between the outsole and the upper. It is often considered the
most important part of a basketball shoe, because the construction and materials used will impact the levels of
cushioning and shock absorption and can affect a player's ability to explode off the floor.

Cushioning materials

The midsole is usually made of EVA, compressed EVA, polyurethane or a combination of these materials.
Proprietary cushioning technologies are also found in many brands of basketball shoes.

EVA/Compressed EVA offers lightweight cushioning, but not as much stability and durability. EVA can be
compressed to make it somewhat more durable.

Polyurethane (PU) is a more dense and durable cushioning material. It can add stability to the shoe, but also
adds weight.

Proprietary Cushioning Technologies are usually found in the heel and forefoot of the shoe and add an extra
degree of cushioning without much extra weight

Motion Control/Stability

Stiff materials are used in some basketball shoes on the medial or inner side of the shoe to reduce inward
rolling of the foot

Heavier densities of cushioning materials may also be used in the medial area to increase a shoe's stability.
The midsole can negatively affect stability if the cushioning materials are too thick.

Look for relatively thin layer of cushioning to keep your base of support low and stable

Outsole

This is the rubber bottom of the shoe.

Stability

The outsole of a good basketball shoe should be flat and moderately wide to create a stable base and help
prevent ankle rollover

The herringbone pattern is most common and provides enough traction to keep you
steady during quick stops and starts

Most shoes are designed for indoor play. If you play most often on outdoor courts, look for a shoe with a more
durable outsole.

Some basketball shoes are designed specifically for outdoor play and feature heavier rubber outsoles